Pop superstar Dua Lipa has been granted Kosovo citizenship by President Vjosa Osmani, completing what the singer described as the “duality” she has always carried within. The ceremony took place on Thursday in Pristina, where a children’s choir welcomed the British-born artist with a touching rendition of her hit song Levitating.
The 29-year-old singer, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents, received the honour ahead of her headline performance at the Sunny Hill Festival on Friday. President Osmani hailed Lipa as “one of the most iconic cultural figures in our country’s history” during the emotional ceremony attended by UK Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves.
In a statement following the ceremony, Lipa expressed her profound connection to the milestone, saying: “It feels like my two sides are now one. It completes the duality I have always had within. I love this country and this means so much to me and my family.”
Presidential Praise for Cultural Ambassador
President Osmani shared photographs of the ceremony on social media platform X, writing: “Dua and Kosovo have always been inseparable. From the world’s biggest stages to the hearts of millions, she’s carried our story with strength, pride, and grace.”
The president emphasised Lipa’s role in elevating Kosovo’s international profile, adding: “She’s pushed boundaries, made history, and reminded the world that greatness begins with knowing who you are and where you come from.
Osmani concluded her tribute with the words “Kosovo’s gem – welcome back home,” underlining the significance of the moment for both the nation and its most celebrated daughter.
Children’s Choir Delivers Emotional Tribute
The ceremony featured a particularly poignant moment when a local children’s choir performed an adorable rendition of Lipa’s global hit Levitating. The performance moved the Radical Optimism singer, who has consistently used her platform to advocate for Kosovo’s youth and cultural development.
UK Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves, who attended the ceremony, posted a photograph alongside Lipa on X, stating that both the UK and Kosovo were proud to call the pop star “one of our own.” His presence underscored the diplomatic significance of the occasion.
The citizenship grant comes by presidential decree, marking an official recognition of Lipa’s contributions to promoting Kosovo internationally through her music and philanthropy.
Sunny Hill Festival Homecoming
Lipa is currently in Kosovo for the three-day Sunny Hill Festival, which she co-founded with her father Dukagjin Lipa in 2018. The festival, held from 1-3 August at Sunny Hill Park in Pristina, has become Kosovo’s largest music event and a major cultural moment for the Balkans.
This year’s lineup features Lipa as the headliner alongside international acts including Shawn Mendes, Anyma, Mochakk, Fatboy Slim, and Peggy Gou. The festival represents Lipa’s only European festival appearance this year, making it a particularly special homecoming.
Following her performance on Friday night, Lipa wrote on Instagram: “Sharing this night with you all, in the city that shaped me, surrounded by so much energy, joy, and pride… it’s hard to put into words what it means.”
Changing Perceptions Through Music
The Sunny Hill Festival was established not only as a music event but as a vehicle for social change. Lipa explained last year that the festival was created “to change the rhetoric of what people think about Kosovo and it being war-torn.
The festival raises funds for the Sunny Hill Foundation, a charity organisation focused on helping vulnerable communities in Kosovo. Through this work, Lipa has consistently demonstrated her commitment to youth empowerment and cultural development in her ancestral homeland.
Mat MacDonald, who runs the festival alongside the Lipas, has described it as a “love letter to Kosovo,” bringing world-class entertainment to Pristina whilst showcasing local talent.
Triple Citizenship Achievement
With the Kosovo citizenship, Lipa now holds citizenship in three countries: Britain, Albania, and Kosovo. She was granted Albanian citizenship in November 2022 by President Bajram Begaj, who praised her as a “simple girl” who has given “great pride” to Albania.
During that ceremony, Begaj stated: “It is a special pleasure to welcome the great artist Dua Lipa today. Although art is not related to politics, it brings all people together and with your art, you have brought us together in this jubilee year.
Lipa had previously been awarded the title of Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo by President Osmani in August 2022, recognising her advocacy for visa liberalisation and the international recognition of Kosovo.
Early Life Between Two Worlds
Born on 22 August 1995 in London, Lipa spent her early years in the UK before her family returned to Kosovo when she was 11. The move came after Kosovo gained independence, allowing her parents to fulfil their long-held desire to return home.
Speaking about this formative period, Lipa has said: “It took me a really long time to find my feet there. It’s interesting going into that at 11 years old, but I think I wouldn’t change it for the world because it really helped me become who I am.”
Her experience of living between two cultures has profoundly influenced her music and her commitment to using her platform for cultural diplomacy. Through her global success, she has consistently highlighted her Kosovo-Albanian heritage.
Continuing Cultural Impact
President Osmani expressed endless gratitude for Lipa’s ongoing contributions, stating: “Our gratitude is endless for everything Dua has done, and continues to do for Kosovo, for our youth, for our art and for the international image of our country.”
The citizenship ceremony represents more than a symbolic gesture; it formalises a relationship that has seen Lipa become Kosovo’s most prominent cultural ambassador on the world stage. From her record-breaking Radical Optimism tour to her philanthropic work, she continues to carry Kosovo’s story to millions globally.
As Kosovo continues to seek broader international recognition and its citizens await visa liberalisation, having a global superstar officially recognised as one of their own provides both soft power and a source of national pride.
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